Thanks for thinking along. There is a drain in the shower, but the lack of separation combined with the small size of the room will still lead to everything getting wet. I have thought of a glass separation, but it will also block the way from the door to the sink. A store showed me doors that can fold inwardly. That sounds amazing, but they're also very expensive and I need to re-rout the water pipes... Yes, I am in the NL. How'd you discover that? ;)

I think I might try to fashion a piece of lightweight wood -- think beadboard -- about 4" by 12" -- and attach it along its long edge to the ceiling jut with a couple of two-way swing-hinges. You could even paint a whimsical message on it... something like "Heads Up!" in brightly colored letters. This will catch the eye and prevent head-banging, but you'll be able to swing it up out of the way when you need the extra room. I would cut it in this shape -- with the curves facing downward -- and attach it to the ceiling by the long straight edge. (Note: This picture shows it upside down.)

Thank you everyone for the fabulous ideas! I am on the lookout now for any and all of them! wonbyherwits, that is a great idea. Anything that does double-duty in a small room is an asset! I will check out the local import store to see if they have something similar. syllabus, thanks for all the great ideas. After reading your post, I did a quick search on ebay yesterday and saw some incredible art pottery umbrella stands. Too expensive but I like the idea, maybe I can find a less expensive alternative. And I love gardening, so finding something that's intended for the garden is a great idea too. johnmari, what keywords did you use on the ebay search to find that table by the chair? Love the coffee table too. And I hear you on the sand for anything tippy...the local lamp repair shop guy told me he fills every pottery lamp he gets with sand. And I would use a round wood top on anything, with a pre-schooler in the house. organic, I am in Maine. I check boston.craigslist.org/fur every day, though so far I haven't found anything worth the drive. Thanks for the link. There was something similar at a consigment store down the street from me...I will go take a second look at it. Storage would be a big bonus (as you know, in a small house!). teeda, my ex had one of those magazine tables (belonged to his grandfather), so I know exactly what you're describing. As for price, I guess I would cut off consideration of anything that went over $150. Kind of depends on the piece though. I think I need 3 items. kec01, I am still hopeful of finding a taller plant stand. I might even go ahead and get a rather short one just to have some variation in the height of the tables in the room. There is one chair that could handle it. pfmastin, thanks for the crock photo. I love that look but couldn't visualize how a top would fit. That photo helps. lindasc, I am on the lookout!

How about a pic of the whole house? That shows us nothing, and doesn't look at all like a Cape Cod.