Thanks all! weedpuller: the compost bucket is huge - 15L or about 3 gallons. I don't let it get too full though because it gets heavy (not to mention smelly, though only noticeable when the door is open) and I worry about the weight. It is from Rev A Shelf, see link localeater: I love the compost bucket. We compost everything, no garbage disposal in our house. It is under the prep sink on the island and I scrap into the sink then gather it up to throw in the bucket. Easy. The bucket pulls out to be carried out to our bin. Also, the broom closet is 2' wide, 3' deep and 6' tall and functions beautifully (especially after not having one for so long!). The chair is from PB Teen, Vintage Wood Swivel. Well constructed and comfy, as well as (I agree, if I do say so myself) a perfect fit for the space! Beth: Thanks!! It's Baker and we're not going anywhere anytime soon ;) We did all this work on an old house we love because we hope to be here forever! :) And yes, our pup loves it too! kelhuck: That is just what I love to do in the space, time and kids allowing! Book storage was actually a big part of the planning for our book-loving family. And yes, mamadadapaige - life altering is right! Sometimes I still can't quite believe it. Thanks again! Your compliments and interest mean a lot to me. Here is a link that might be useful: Pull Out Compost

As gregmills_gw states before me, the problem isn't the surface it is the edges. I suspect this MIGHT be an old floor that was beyond repair and they painted it for a quick "easy" (for them) fix. The paint looks to be in very good shape, so it might have been painted to allow a handsome look for a quick sale. And to be clear....you don't have a "few" planks that are cupping you have 90% - 100% that are cupping (that I can see in the photo). That's a little bit more than a few. You may be better off leaving this floor as-is and getting a few years of life out of the paint. Once the paint starts to patina past your comfort level, you can then decide what to do. And the reason for cupping = moisture intrusion. Somewhere underneath there is moisture coming up. Since all the planks are doing this, I suspect an overall "ground" issue rather than a leaky pipe issue. I suspect you will have to deal with whatever is causing the moisture imbalance in the floor before figuring out what to do with a NEW floor. I say live with it, put some money aside every month and then "fix" the problem with the moisture intrusion from below your floors/home. That could be a much bigger project than you anticipate and you will be GLAD you kept your flooring money in the bank...so that you have some working capital to deal with the REAL problem - the moisture intrusion. Good luck.

Claire, nope they are all level. But maybe you’re seeing the gaps in between the planks that are typical for old floors. We choose to not fill them in. They still have to finish the toe trim.

Scary with no banister on your stairs. I see a hand rail. Is that sufficient? IMO the ladder should be on the wall with the art work on it (beside the dining room) Put the TV to the left...more in the middle of the wall. Take away the end table beside it...Add a floor lamp in the corner behind your sectional and a lamp on the end table. Sheer curtains will soften your room. Is one of the end tables .. the one by the TV....low enough to be used for a coffee table? If too high, maybe look for a small ottoman or small table or stool to use, if you think you have room for it.