You're in a very difficult situation, because once you move out of the country, you won't have any way of really keeping track of your baby or helping out if something goes wrong with the adoption. It sounds to me like there's a high likelihood that the American woman will declaw the kitten, which, like you, is something I wouldn't allow to be done to a feline I loved (or any feline, if I could help it). There's also the possibility that as the kitten matures, she may not get along with the woman's "wild" cat, and what happens to your girl then? If you have time to keep looking for a new family for your kitten, perhaps you can find one that can provide her with the love and attention you want for her, AND who feels the same way about declawing as you do. If there are animal shelters or rescues in China, perhaps you can ask them to help you find a suitable new home for your baby. Also, contact veterinarians. They sometimes know of responsible, loving clients who are looking for a new feline family member. I don't envy the position you are in. I hope you can find the perfect solution for both you and the kitten. Laurie

As far as some of the stiffness of the house, it seems a bit staged and cleaned out, to me. It probably looks more alive (or did) when the couple fully live(d) there. As the furniture being "colonial revival R us" eh, maybe. But some of it is probably real, it's on the market here enough. And it's better quality furniture than I'll ever be likely to own. These are people that don't get "bored" with things and have to "change up", there is something to be said for that. They probably have neighbors that have had 5 cheap sofas to their one in 40 years. They like what they have always liked, obviously. And I admire that.

Assuming some of that wall “decor” is going... I suggest B.M. Windham Cream for the walls (if the walls are in decent shape, choose eggshell for the finish) AND ceiling (flat). Where your student or parent will be facing, apply a peel and stick wall decal of something outdoors to give a impression of a window. This is from GreatBigCanvas.com

By the looks of it, this is the 'standard' maple-look laminate that was SUPER HOT in this area. I've seen this over and over again. If it is in GOOD SHAPE, then leave it be....sigh...I know. That's not what you want to hear. A floor change in a condo-apartment is VERY serious business. The Condo-Boards have SERIOUS pull in Vancouver (BC...I'm assuming...Washington State has their own Vancouver). I've written SOOOOO many documents for condo boards regarding noise reduction requirements I could just spit! Be VERY aware of those hidden costs. A CONDO APROVED underpad = $1-$3/sf CND (I'm in N. Delta). And the cost of labour for a LAMINATE install is now hovering around $3/sf. If you add in subfloor preparation (can be a REAL PITA) and you could be looking at extra costs of $7/sf...without BLINKING. Subfloor prep can add another $3/sf. Now let's look at the math: $6/sf for real wood $5/sf for labour + finish $3/sf for subfloor prep $2/sf for underpad Total = $16/sf for wood flooring Now look at the cost of painting = $2000 - $4000 for a professional to tape everything off and put up a beautiful finish. I'm a Scandi modern person. The light, natural wood coloured floors (like what you currently have) are de rigur for Scandi. Then they like to keep the walls white with ++ Chrome/silver accents. Then they put up BIG BOLD prints on the walls and as area rugs and for furniture. In a nut shell, the European style you see at Ikea is VERY much the Scandi design sense. Since Vancouver has TWO Ikeas, you are welcome to get some inspiration in their 'photo art' area. The darker floors are more aligned with Danish Modern (the walnut used with Eames chairs and Walnut Mid-Century Modern furniture) or NY Loft industrial modern. Either way, your floors are going to be SUPER expensive to deal with in a condo. My advice = If it ain't broke, don't fix it. My first thought is to update the fireplace surround and then go shopping for furniture you REALLY want. Make sure it is apartment sized. The regular places to shop have OVERSIZED furniture ('cause someone thought that N. Americans all live in 2500sf sprawling Ranchers). You will need wall measurements and an idea of angles when you go furniture shopping.